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Tag: Phoenix Fuel Masters

  • Magnolia finds its groove as Jerom Lastimosa lead the charge against Phoenix 

    Magnolia finds its groove as Jerom Lastimosa lead the charge against Phoenix 

    Magnolia is finally beginning to look like a team that has found its rhythm as the Hotshots put together their game winning streak of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, turning a tight contest against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters into a statement 115-101 victory at the Ynares Center.

     

    The difference came in the fourth quarter, when Magnolia answered Phoenix’s push with a devastating 16-0 run that completely flipped the game.

     

    Phoenix had taken an 86-82 lead, but Jerom Lastimosa and KJ Buffen helped ignite Magnolia’s decisive surge, transforming a four-point deficit into a 98-86 advantage. From there, the Hotshots never gave the Fuel Masters a chance to recover.

    Lastimosa was at the center of the turnaround as the Magnolia guard delivered the best offensive performance of his career, scoring 30 points on an outstanding 11-of-14 shooting. Twelve of those points came in the final quarter, allowing the Hotshots to pull away when the game mattered most.

     

    Mark Barroca provided another major boost late, scoring 10 of his 21 points in the fourth.

     

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    Buffen was just as important throughout the night, finishing with 35 points and 10 rebounds, while Phoenix struggled once again to maintain its offensive production down the stretch.

     

    It was a familiar problem for the Fuel Masters. In their previous outing against Blackwater, Phoenix managed only 14 points in the final quarter. Against Magnolia, the same fourth-quarter struggles resurfaced at the worst possible time.

     

    BJ Johnson carried much of the Phoenix offense with 37 points, while Ricci Rivero added 16. Kenneth Tuffin and Kai Ballungay contributed 12 points each, with Gian Mamuyac finishing with 10.

     

    For Magnolia coach LA Tenorio, however, the biggest takeaway was not simply the scoring. It was how his players reacted after Phoenix mounted its challenge in the third quarter.

     

    “The guys responded after the third quarter. Usually, kapag nagkaka-run ang kalaban namin, we got deflated at natataranta. Today, they stayed positive,” offered head coach Tenorio said.

     

    That resilience became the foundation of Magnolia’s fourth-quarter explosion.

     

    Tenorio also singled out Lastimosa, praising the guard’s willingness to absorb coaching and immediately translate instructions into action.

     

    “What I like about Jerom is that he’s a listener, he’s a good student of the game. Ginagawa niya talaga yung mga sinasabi naming coaching staff, lalong-lalo na ako,” he said.

     

    Lastimosa’s breakout performance could prove particularly valuable for a Magnolia squad that is beginning to build momentum. With Buffen providing the heavy scoring load and Barroca delivering his veteran presence, the Hotshots suddenly have another reliable weapon capable of changing the game.

     

    The victory also carries added significance in the Group B standings as Magnolia improved to 4-3. 

     

    Phoenix, also now 4-3, slipped to solo second after previously sharing the lead with Rain or Shine.

     

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  • Magnolia seeks revenge as surging Hotshots meet Phoenix again 

    Magnolia seeks revenge as surging Hotshots meet Phoenix again 

    Magnolia has already learned what Phoenix can do.

     

    Now the Hotshots get a chance to show how much they have changed since that first meeting.

     

    The two Group B contenders collide again at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, with Magnolia looking to erase the memory of its 86-98 defeat to the Fuel Masters in the conference opener.


    Phoenix entered the rematch in a different position.

     

    The Fuel Masters remain tied with Rain or Shine at the top of Group B at 4-2, but they have stumbled in two of their last three games, falling to the Elasto Painters, 98-105, before suffering a 100-106 loss to Blackwater.

     

    Magnolia, meanwhile, has gone in the opposite direction.

     

    After losing three of its first four games, including the opening-day setback against Phoenix, the Hotshots have finally found their rhythm. They enter Wednesday’s contest riding consecutive statement victories over Barangay Ginebra, 88-73, and Meralco, 105-88.

     

    Those wins have pulled Magnolia back into the playoff picture at 3-3, tied with Blackwater for third place and just half a game ahead of Ginebra.

     

    For coach LA Tenorio, the recent turnaround has been about treating every game like a playoff game.

     

    “The past three games, we’ve been really in a playoff mentality already. I challenged the players, my team, that this kind of games, ito ang magbibigay sa amin ng chance going to the next level,” Tenorio said after the victory over Meralco.

     

    The urgency is understandable.

     

    “Two more losses could have sent us packing,” he admitted.

     

    Magnolia’s response has been encouraging for Tenorio, particularly the way his players have embraced the system.

     

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    “What I really like about my team is how they responded to that challenge. They really responded well, not only in the games, but in practice… They’re really locked in, they’re buying in the system na gusto kong iparating sa team.”

     

    That buy-in will be tested against the same Phoenix team that exposed Magnolia’s weaknesses in their first encounter.

     

    The Fuel Masters took the opener behind a sensational debut from import BJ Johnson, who exploded for 34 points and 10 rebounds. Phoenix recovered from a slow start before Johnson and Jason Perkins ignited a 7-1 fourth-quarter run that turned a 79-71 advantage into a more comfortable lead.

     

    This time, Magnolia knows exactly what it is facing.

     

    The Hotshots will have to find a way to slow Johnson while preventing Perkins from providing the same complementary production that helped Phoenix seize control late in the first meeting.

    But Phoenix also has questions of its own.

     

    After starting 4-0, the Fuel Masters have lost two of their last three games, giving Magnolia a chance to capitalize on the slight dip in momentum and climb further up the Group B standings.

    For Phoenix, Wednesday is an opportunity to prove its opening victory over Magnolia was more than just a strong start.

     

    For Magnolia, it is a chance to show that the team that walked off the court that night is no longer the same one taking the floor now.

     

    The first meeting belonged to Phoenix.

     

    This time, Magnolia wants the last word.

     

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  • Charles Tiu urges Phoenix to stay hungry despite 4-1 start in PBA Governors’ Cup

    Charles Tiu urges Phoenix to stay hungry despite 4-1 start in PBA Governors’ Cup

    The Phoenix Fuel Masters have emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup, making an impressive start to the tournament with four victories in their first five outings. Their strong opening run has propelled them to the top of the Group B standings, giving the franchise early momentum in a conference expected to be one of the most competitive in recent years.

     

    Phoenix’s fast start is particularly noteworthy considering the caliber of opposition in Group B, a bracket many observers have labeled the conference’s “Group of Death.” The Fuel Masters are competing alongside perennial title contenders Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Magnolia Hotshots, Meralco Bolts, and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, as well as the improving Blackwater Bossing. With several established championship-caliber teams in the same group, every game carries significant playoff implications.

     

    The Governors’ Cup features a revamped format in which the league’s 13 teams are split into two groups. Teams play a double-round robin against opponents within their respective groups, with only the top four finishers advancing to the quarterfinals. The format places a premium on consistency, leaving little room for prolonged slumps during the elimination round.

     

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    Despite their encouraging position atop the standings, the Fuel Masters are refusing to get carried away. Their only defeat so far came at the hands of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, a team that has consistently established itself as one of the league’s toughest playoff squads. Rather than dwelling on their early success, Phoenix has focused on improving with each game as it prepares for the decisive second half of the eliminations.

    Head coach Charles Tiu has been pleased with his team’s competitive mindset but stressed that the Fuel Masters have yet to accomplish anything substantial. For Tiu, the current standings are merely a snapshot, and the real challenge lies in sustaining their level of play against experienced opponents who are expected to mount a strong push in the coming weeks.

     

    “We are in a good position to make the playoffs. Step-by-step, we just take it one game at a time and we try to get as many wins as we can, because we know the other teams are going to catch up,” Tiu said during the postgame press conference.

     

    The first-year Phoenix mentor also acknowledged the quality of the competition awaiting his squad, emphasizing that several of their rivals have built reputations as perennial contenders.

     

    “Ginebra is always gonna be there, for sure. Rain or Shine is always a semifinalist, Meralco na rin. So we are trying to just find a way to sneak in. We are one of the younger teams, so hopefully we can continue to play this way, but I still think we can play better and we have to play better,” he added.

     

    Tiu’s comments reflect the identity Phoenix has embraced throughout the conference. The Fuel Masters have relied on youthful energy, disciplined execution, and collective effort to outperform more experienced opponents. Rather than depending solely on individual brilliance, Phoenix has built its early success on balanced contributions across the roster, consistent defensive intensity, and a willingness to execute its game plan for the full 48 minutes.

     

    While the team’s 4-1 record has placed it in the driver’s seat entering the second round of the eliminations, the Fuel Masters understand that maintaining their position will become increasingly difficult. Every contender in Group B remains within striking distance, and the second round promises even fiercer battles as teams make adjustments and fight for one of the four coveted quarterfinal berths.

     

    Phoenix will look to strengthen its playoff bid when it opens the second round of the eliminations on Wednesday, August 5, against the Blackwater Bossing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. A victory would not only reinforce the Fuel Masters’ hold on first place but also move them another step closer to securing a return to the postseason in one of the PBA’s most challenging conferences in recent memory.

     

     

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  • Gian Mamuyac finds rhythm as Phoenix Fuel Masters continue PBA Governors’ Cup surge 

    Gian Mamuyac finds rhythm as Phoenix Fuel Masters continue PBA Governors’ Cup surge 

    Gian Mamuyac’s adjustment period with the Phoenix Fuel Masters may still be ongoing, but his latest performance showed why the team remains confident that a bigger role is waiting for him.


    After struggling to find consistency following his trade from Rain or Shine, Mamuyac delivered his most productive outing in a Phoenix uniform, scoring 18 points and adding two rebounds in the Fuel Masters’ 102-92 victory over the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The breakout performance arrived at a crucial moment for both player and team. Through his first three games with Phoenix, Mamuyac averaged only 8.7 points, but his aggressive showing against Blackwater provided a glimpse of the offensive spark the Fuel Masters hoped to unlock when they acquired him.

     

    Still, Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu knows that one strong performance does not erase the challenges of adapting to a new system.

     

    “Kulang pa (sa adjustment sa team), but we just have practice time with him before the game and I think that mattered a bit. He still has to figure things out and I’m also trying to figure him out in terms of rotation changing game by game,” Tiu admitted.

     

    While Mamuyac continues learning Phoenix’s system, his impact is already becoming noticeable. 

    In just his fourth Governors’ Cup appearance, the former Rain or Shine forward has raised his averages to 12.00 points and 6.00 rebounds per game, showing his ability to contribute beyond scoring.

     

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    His emergence also adds another weapon to a Phoenix squad that has built momentum through balanced production. Jason Perkins remained the team’s offensive leader against Blackwater, exploding for 25 points while adding six rebounds and one assist to help secure the victory.

     

    The win further highlighted Phoenix’s unexpected climb in Group B. The Fuel Masters improved to a 4-1 record, placing them on top of the standings and establishing themselves as one of the conference’s early surprises.

     

    Phoenix’s recent success has also reflected the team’s emphasis on developing a competitive young core while maximizing the contributions of established players. In previous PBA campaigns, the Fuel Masters have relied on strong performances from players such as Perkins and emerging talents to build their identity as a resilient squad capable of competing with deeper teams.

     

    For Mamuyac and his squad, the next challenge is turning a breakthrough night into sustained production. With Phoenix aiming to maintain its position at the top of Group B, every game becomes another opportunity for him to grow more comfortable in his new environment.

     

    The Fuel Masters will face Blackwater again on August 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, giving Mamuyac another chance to prove that his latest performance was not just a one-game surge but the start of a bigger contribution to Phoenix’s campaign.

     

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  • Gian Mamuyac falls short against former team as Rain or Shine beats Phoenix

    Gian Mamuyac falls short against former team as Rain or Shine beats Phoenix

    Gian Mamuyac’s first game against his former team ended in disappointment as the Phoenix Fuel Masters absorbed their first loss of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, falling 105-98 to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Tuesday, July 21.


    Facing the franchise he represented for the past four seasons, Mamuyac logged 21 minutes and finished with eight points, two rebounds, and two assists. While the 27-year-old showed flashes of his trademark energy and versatility, his efforts were not enough to prevent Phoenix from suffering its first setback of the conference against a Rain or Shine squad that executed more efficiently down the stretch.

     

     

    Despite the emotional nature of the matchup, Mamuyac remained composed after the game, acknowledging that the Elasto Painters simply played the better brand of basketball on the night.

               

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    “Of course, it’s a different feeling because I have been with them for the last four years. They were the better team. Hopefully we will be better the next time we face them,” Mamuyac said.

     

     

    The contest marked Mamuyac’s first meeting with Rain or Shine since being traded to Phoenix just days earlier after contract negotiations between the two sides failed to produce a new agreement. The move ended a four-year stint with the Elasto Painters, where he established himself as one of the team’s most dependable two-way guards and became a key contributor under veteran head coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Although he now wears Phoenix colors, Mamuyac made it clear that his respect and appreciation for his former organization remain unchanged. Before tip-off, he took time to approach Guiao, exchanging greetings and wishing his longtime mentor well in a gesture that reflected the strong relationship they built throughout his stay with the franchise.


    “Off the court, we obviously have a good relationship. When I went to coach Yeng, I wished him good luck and blessed him to show my respect and he smiled back. And during the game, I can hear Kuya Beau shout something. But off the court, we have a good relationship,” he added.


    Those friendships, however, were put on hold once the opening whistle sounded. Mamuyac competed with the same intensity that characterized his years with Rain or Shine, but the Elasto Painters ultimately had enough firepower to fend off Phoenix and hand the Fuel Masters their first defeat of the conference.


    For Phoenix, the loss serves as an early test after a promising start to its Governors’ Cup campaign. With Mamuyac still adjusting to a new system and building chemistry with his teammates, the Fuel Masters remain optimistic that their performances will improve as the tournament progresses.


    Mamuyac echoed that optimism, expressing confidence that Phoenix will be in a stronger position should the two teams meet again later in the conference.

     

     

    The Fuel Masters will look to bounce back and return to the win column when they take on the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday, July 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Rain or Shine aims to build on the momentum generated by its victory over one of the conference’s early contenders.

     

     

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  • Reunion with a twist: Gian Mamuyac braces for emotional showdown against Rain or Shine

    Reunion with a twist: Gian Mamuyac braces for emotional showdown against Rain or Shine

    Just days after being traded, Gian Mamuyac finds himself in unfamiliar territory as he prepares to face the only PBA team he had ever known. But with the Phoenix Fuel Masters chasing a fourth straight victory, sentiment will have to take a backseat when they battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Tuesday.

     

    The matchup marks Mamuyac’s first game against the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the 2022 PBA Draft and helped shape him into one of the league’s premier two-way guards. After spending four seasons with the Elasto Painters, the Ateneo standout was dealt to Phoenix in exchange for a future first-round pick, ending an era that few saw coming.

     

    While the emotions are inevitable, Mamuyac insists his focus remains on helping Phoenix continue its impressive start to the Governors’ Cup. The Fuel Masters have opened the conference with three consecutive victories, and the newest addition is eager to contribute to a team that has quickly emerged as one of the early contenders.

     

    “It’s definitely going to be different,” Mamuyac admitted ahead of the reunion, acknowledging that facing former teammates and coaches won’t be easy. Despite the familiarity, he expects no favors from the squad he once called home.

     

    That sentiment is shared by Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, who coached Mamuyac throughout his PBA career. Known for his demanding style, Guiao joked that there would be no warm welcome for his former player once the opening tip is tossed. Instead, the veteran mentor promised the same physical, hard-nosed defense that has long defined the Elasto Painters.

     

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    Former teammates have also been quick to remind Mamuyac that friendships will be put on hold for 48 minutes. Some even teased the former team captain about making sure he earns every basket, a sign of the mutual respect built during their years together.

     

    For Phoenix, however, the timing of Mamuyac’s arrival couldn’t be better. The Fuel Masters have looked revitalized under head coach Charles Tiu, combining disciplined defense with balanced offense to race to a 3-0 record. Adding a versatile defender and proven playmaker like Mamuyac only strengthens a roster that has quickly become one of the league’s biggest surprises.

     

    Mamuyac’s familiarity with Rain or Shine’s system could also prove valuable. Having practiced under Guiao for years, he understands the Elasto Painters’ defensive schemes, tendencies, and personnel as well as anyone on the Phoenix roster. Still, he knows that knowledge alone won’t guarantee success against a team that prides itself on preparation and toughness.

     

    Beyond the tactical battle, Tuesday’s contest carries plenty of personal significance. Mamuyac recently posted a heartfelt farewell to Rain or Shine, thanking the organization, coaches, teammates, and fans for believing in him throughout his first four professional seasons. Now, he’ll stand on the opposite bench for the first time, hoping to begin a successful new chapter while honoring the memories he made with his former club.

     

    As Phoenix looks to stay unbeaten and Rain or Shine aims to spoil the Fuel Masters’ momentum, all eyes will be on Mamuyac. For one night, the former Elasto Painter becomes the opponent and one of the biggest storylines of the young PBA Governors’ Cup season.

     

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  • Phoenix’s long-awaited reunion of Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac fuels unbeaten start 

    Phoenix’s long-awaited reunion of Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac fuels unbeaten start 

    Phoenix’s 3-0 start in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup isn’t just being powered by strong performances on the floor. It’s also being driven by a reunion that has been more than a decade in the making.

     

    Long before they became PBA players, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio, and Gian Mamuyac were simply teenagers sharing the same court during a Jr. NBA camp. Their basketball journeys eventually took them to different schools, different teams, and different careers, making a reunion seem increasingly unlikely.

     

    Now, fate has finally brought all three together under the Phoenix Fuel Masters banner.

    For Rivero, seeing a familiar face like Mamuyac arrive in Phoenix has made the team’s early success even more meaningful.

     

    “Me, Tyler and Gian, sabay-sabay kami ng Jr. NBA before. Ngayon ko lang sila nakasama since nag-Ateneo sila kaya I’m so excited,” Rivero said after collecting 16 points and Player of the Game honors in Phoenix’s 81-78 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

    While Tio and Mamuyac went on to build their chemistry at Ateneo, Rivero carved out his own collegiate path with La Salle before transferring to the University of the Philippines.

    Their professional careers also unfolded separately.

     

    Tio and Mamuyac entered the PBA in the same rookie class in 2022, although the latter began his career with Rain or Shine. Rivero joined the league the following year as a Phoenix draft pick, leaving the trio still waiting for the chance to become teammates once again.

     

    That opportunity finally arrived when the Fuel Masters acquired Mamuyac in a blockbuster trade, completing a reunion years in the making.

    Rivero immediately reached out after learning about the deal, hoping they could finally chase bigger goals together.

     

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    “Masaya ako. Nung nalaman ko na trade si Mamu, nag-message ako agad sa kanya,” he said. “Sinabi ko sa kanya, ‘let’s try our best.’ Kung kaya umabot ng Finals, aim for the best.”

     

    So far, Phoenix has looked every bit like a team benefiting from that renewed chemistry.

     

    The Fuel Masters have opened the conference with three consecutive victories, including a statement win over Barangay Ginebra in Mamuyac’s debut wearing a Phoenix uniform.

     

    But despite the perfect record, Rivero knows the bigger challenge still lies ahead.

     

    Their next matchup comes against Rain or Shine, giving Mamuyac an immediate chance to face the franchise where he spent the first four years of his PBA career.

     

    Rivero, meanwhile, is focused on making sure Phoenix’s fast start turns into something much more significant than just an unbeaten stretch.

     

    “Gusto lang namin makabawi since we ended the last conference very bad against Ginebra,” he said.

     

    “Sobrang saya lang sa feeling and minsan lang kami nakapag-ganito and never pa talaga yung 3-0. So why not make the most out of it and try to go 4-0 kung kaya?” Rivero continued.

     

    For three players whose friendship began long before the professional ranks, Phoenix’s early surge feels like more than just a winning streak. It is the first chapter of a reunion they had waited years to experience—and one they hope will end with the deepest playoff run of their careers.

     

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  • PBA: Is Phoenix finally ready to take the next step?

    PBA: Is Phoenix finally ready to take the next step?

    The Phoenix Fuel Masters are off to a perfect 3-0 start, and while many expected the usual title contenders to dominate the early headlines, it has been Charles Tiu’s young and energetic squad that has captured the attention of basketball fans.

     

    The question now is simple: Is Phoenix finally ready to make the leap from rebuilding franchise to legitimate contender?

     

    For years, the Fuel Masters have been assembling young talent through the draft, smart acquisitions, and player development. This conference may finally be the moment where all those pieces begin to fit together.


    One of the biggest reasons for the optimism is Phoenix’s newest acquisition.

     

    Just days after the conference began, the Fuel Masters acquired Gian Mamuyac from Rain or Shine in exchange for their Season 53 first-round draft pick, while also receiving Rain or Shine’s second-round selection. The trade came after Mamuyac and the Elasto Painters were unable to reach a contract extension, giving Phoenix the opportunity to add one of the league’s premier young two-way guards. 

     

    The former Ateneo standout, finished with 12 points, six assists, and six rebounds in his final game for the Elasto Painters before being shipped to the Fuel Masters. 

     

    Even before he has fully settled into the system, the former UAAP champion already looks like a perfect fit. His ability to defend opposing stars, create plays, attack the basket, and contribute as a reliable scorer gives Phoenix another dimension on both ends of the floor. More importantly, he brings valuable winning experience to an already promising roster.

     

    But Mamuyac isn’t the only “new” addition making an impact.

     

    The return of Kai Ballungay from injury almost feels like signing another star.

     

    The versatile 6-foot-7 forward provides everything modern basketball demands switchable defense, rebounding, athleticism, and the ability to stretch the floor. His presence immediately raises Phoenix’s ceiling, giving Coach Charles Tiu another versatile weapon capable of guarding multiple positions while fitting seamlessly into the team’s up-tempo style.

     

    Together, they strengthen what is arguably one of the most exciting young cores in the PBA.

     

    Jason Perkins remains the veteran anchor of the franchise and continues to perform at an All-Star level. Even when he isn’t leading the scoring column, Perkins commands enormous defensive attention, creating space for Phoenix’s younger players to attack. His gravity on offense makes life significantly easier for the Fuel Masters’ growing collection of playmakers.

     

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    It’s a roster built around length, versatility, athleticism, and multiple shot creators, a blueprint that mirrors many successful modern basketball teams.

     

    Of course, every contender still needs a dominant import, and Phoenix appears to have found exactly that in BJ Johnson.

     

    Through three games, Johnson has been spectacular, averaging 27.67 points, 9.67 rebounds, and 2.33 assists per game. His efficient scoring, ability to finish in transition, and veteran presence have perfectly complemented Phoenix’s fast-paced attack.

     

    More importantly, Johnson doesn’t need to dominate every possession. Instead, he allows the Fuel Masters’ young local core to grow alongside an experienced import capable of taking over whenever needed.

     

    Perhaps the most intriguing storyline, however, isn’t just the players it’s the man standing on the sidelines. Now, with arguably the deepest and most balanced roster he’s had since taking over Phoenix, this conference could become his biggest opportunity yet.

     

    Can Charles Tiu finally establish himself among the PBA’s elite coaches? A strong Governor’s Cup run would certainly strengthen that conversation. Phoenix’s style of play has also drawn comparisons to another independent franchise that recently climbed the league hierarchy.

     

    Can the Fuel Masters become this conference’s version of Rain or Shine?

     

    Like the Elasto Painters, Phoenix isn’t built around aging superstars or headline-grabbing veterans. Instead, they’re relying on youth, relentless pace, defensive versatility, and a system that empowers multiple players rather than one dominant scorer.

     

    That formula has already proven successful elsewhere. Now it’s Phoenix’s turn to see if they can follow the same path.

     

    But for the first time in quite a while, Phoenix isn’t simply viewed as a rebuilding team with potential. They’re beginning to look like a team capable of making real noise. Whether this hot start turns into a deep playoff run remains to be seen.

     

    One thing is certain, though the Fuel Masters have officially entered the conversation, and if this young core continues to develop under Charles Tiu, the rest of the PBA may soon discover that Phoenix is no longer just building for the future.

     

    The future may have already arrived.

     

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  • Phoenix stays perfect after surviving Riley Grigsby’s 42-point explosion against Barangay Ginebra 

    Phoenix stays perfect after surviving Riley Grigsby’s 42-point explosion against Barangay Ginebra 

    Phoenix Super LPG proved that its unbeaten start is no fluke, weathering a furious late rally from Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to escape with an 81-78 victory and extend its winning streak to three games in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The Fuelmasters entered the matchup with an opportunity to seize sole possession of the Group B lead and capitalized on a Ginebra squad still adjusting to a new import while missing star guard Scottie Thompson. 

     

    Phoenix dictated the tempo for most of the contest before surviving a dramatic finish sparked by Riley Grigsby, whose spectacular debut nearly turned the game around.

     

    Import BJ Johnson once again provided the offensive spark for Phoenix, finishing with 23 points, while Ricci Rivero continued his strong campaign with 16 points and nine rebounds in a balanced effort that lifted the Fuelmasters to a perfect 3-0 record.

     

    Phoenix head coach Charles Tiu admitted his team wanted to take advantage of the circumstances surrounding Ginebra.

     

    “We wanted to try to catch them off guard,” said Phoenix coach Charles Tiu.


    “It’s the first game with [a new] import and wala is Scottie Thompson. We wanted to step on the gas and they’re Ginebra for a reason. They didn’t wanna quit and they made a big scare,” he added.

     

    The Fuelmasters appeared to have the game under control after stretching the lead to 81-74 with only 18 seconds left, but Grigsby had other plans.

     

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    Making an immediate impact in his first game for Barangay Ginebra, the American import knocked down back-to-back baskets to slash the deficit to just three points with six seconds remaining, giving the Gin Kings one last opportunity to steal the game.

     

    Ginebra’s final possession, however, fell short when Jeremiah Gray missed a three-point attempt that could have either forced overtime or delivered a stunning victory via the league’s four-point shot, allowing Phoenix to hold on for the win.

     

    Despite the loss, Grigsby announced his arrival in impressive fashion by pouring in 42 points in his debut. His scoring outburst kept Ginebra within striking distance throughout the closing stretch, but the Gin Kings ultimately dropped their first game with their new reinforcement.

     

    Compounding Ginebra’s frustrations, head coach Tim Cone was ejected late in the contest after receiving his second technical foul.

     

    With momentum firmly on its side, Phoenix now turns its attention to Rain or Shine on Tuesday, July 21, aiming to stretch its unbeaten run to four games. Ginebra, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when it faces Blackwater on Friday, July 24.

     

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  • Phoenix lands Gian Mamuyac as Rain or Shine ends four-year partnership 

    Phoenix lands Gian Mamuyac as Rain or Shine ends four-year partnership 

    One of the PBA’s longest-running contract standoffs has finally reached its conclusion.

     

    After weeks of uncertainty surrounding Gian Mamuyac’s future, Rain or Shine officially parted ways with the versatile guard, sending him and a Season 53 second-round pick to Phoenix in exchange for the Fuel Masters’ first-round selection in the same draft.

     

    The trade, approved by the PBA on Thursday, closes the chapter on Mamuyac’s four-year tenure with the Elasto Painters—the franchise that selected him fifth overall in the Season 47 Rookie Draft and helped shape him into one of the league’s rising two-way guards.

     

    Titan Management Group, which represents Mamuyac, also confirmed the transaction.

     

    Rather than reaching a new agreement, both sides ultimately chose a fresh start after contract negotiations dragged on without a resolution heading into the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    Although Rain or Shine retained Mamuyac’s rights through the league’s automatic extension rule for expiring contracts during the season, negotiations remained at a standstill until the trade provided an exit for both parties.

     

    Mamuyac now reunites with fellow Titan Management clients and former Ateneo standouts Tyler Tio and Kai Ballungay at Phoenix, giving the Fuel Masters another proven backcourt piece as they continue reshaping their roster.

     

    His departure also marks the end of a productive run in Rain or Shine, where he emerged as one of the franchise’s most dependable young players alongside Adrian Nocum and Andrei Caracut.

     

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    Ironically, Mamuyac’s final appearance in an Elasto Painters uniform came only days before the trade became official. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and six assists in a 131-108 loss to Blackwater, unaware it would be his farewell game with the team.

     

    Even then, the 6-foot-2 guard made it clear that his preference was to remain with the organization he had come to regard as home.

     

    “Iba pa rin talaga yung maglaro para sa mga taong you consider as family. And ganyan kami sa Rain or Shine, close kami lahat diyan. Napamahal na ako sa lahat,” he said.

     

    “I really want to stay and hopefully, may mangyari na sa negotiations.”

     

    Instead, those words became his final public remarks as a Rain or Shine player.

     

    Now wearing Phoenix colors, Mamuyac gets the fresh opportunity both sides ultimately needed, while the Elasto Painters move forward with additional draft capital after bringing an end to one of the offseason’s most closely watched contract disputes.

     

     

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